The Neat Garden Feature That Can Help Draw More Hummingbirds To Your Yard

Hummingbirds are one of the most enjoyable animals to see in your yard, and they love vibrant colors, especially red. With so many tips to attract more hummingbirds to your garden, one of the best is to simply add a red gazing ball. These vibrant fixtures can boost your yard's appeal and draw in more flying friends. Hummingbirds have exceptional color vision. Their eyes have specialized cones that can detect ultraviolet hues better than humans can. A bright red orb acts like a beacon by mimicking the appearance of their favorite blooms and drawing them into your garden from a distance.

There are plenty of reasons you should put a gazing ball in your yard. Unlike flowers that bloom seasonally, a gazing ball can provide consistent hummingbird interest year-round. Positioning it around nectar sources, like bee balm (Monarda bradburiana) or trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans), can create an enticing space that hummingbirds will enjoy. The reflective surface also catches sunlight and creates an effect that mimics movement. For best results, go for a bigger ball and place it either on a pedestal or a hanging hook. This helps the color shine from a longer distance. Take this chance to get creative with the space around it as well and pair the ball with other colored accents, like ribbons or flags. This can reinforce the attraction without overwhelming your yard.

While the gazing ball acts as an excellent lure, its effectiveness will only work if you have created an inviting space. Try placing the ball within 3 to 5 feet of flowers that hummingbirds actually love. This ensures the birds will stick around after realizing the ball itself is merely a decoration. Maintenance matters as well. Be sure to keep the ball's surface clean. Wipe it down with mild detergent, water, and a soft cloth to maintain its shine and rotate it occasionally to alter its appearance from a distance.

Hummingbirds will first migrate in the early spring, so hanging extra attention-grabbers will enhance the visibility of your yard before the foliage grows in. If you are limited in space, you can cluster a few smaller gazing balls around a single feeding station rather than multiple big ones scattered around. This will replicate dense floral patches that hummingbirds seek out. Remember, while the color will draw them in, fresh water and nectar will encourage them to stay. You can even add a shallow fountain near the gazing ball to create a full-service hummingbird habitat.